Deteriorating Women's Health Due to Rising Exposure to Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS): A Review

Abstract

A major class of water pollutants emerging as a threat to human health, particularly women's health, is Per-and-poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS belongs to a group of fluorine-containing frequently used synthetic chemicals in consumers and products manufactured by industries. The major concern linked to PFAS is that they exhibit bioaccumulation potential as their perfluorocarbon moieties do not degrade or degrade extremely slowly when exposed to natural elements. The reason PFAS has been termed "forever chemicals." These chemicals are disposed of in aquatic bodies via improper disposal methods, PFAS also build or concentrate in the aquatic environment because they are persistent. These chemicals further enter the human food chain via drinking water. Consumption of PFAS by women leads to catastrophic health effects such as disruption of reproductive functions, development of fetal irregularities in pregnancy, alteration of hormone secretions, menstrual cyclicity irregularities, etc. They have even been linked to life-threatening diseases, such as the development of cancer in women. In this study, we have reviewed the existing research works available to understand the alarming consequences of PFAS on female health and the various challenges being faced due to inadequate treatment and management of these chemicals. Further, the scope of developing mathematical models for studying the extent of the harmful effects of PFAS on women's health as well as devising proper management and disposal practices, is discussed in this paper.